An ongoing series where we ask IWW members, branches, and campaigns to answer a partially-ridiculous list of questions.
From the editors: we intend this series as a convenient way to get to know the Union which, after all, is your Union, your organizers, campaigns, and branches. Learn about the many individuals who make up the One Big Union and get to know the personalities and actual humans behind the posts and screen names.
How would you like your name printed? (Options include first and last, first and last initial, first, X-number, etc. It’s completely up to you)
Kris W.
What are your pronouns?
He/him
What branch or local are you affiliated with?
Tampa Bay GMB/Central Florida GDC Local 8
Do you hold a local or national office? If so, what is it?
Branch secretary, GDC delegate
Why did you join the IWW?
To meet people and destroy capitalism
Why have you stayed?
To meet people and destroy capitalism
It’s self care time, how are you treating yourself?
Ok.
Is there a wobbly (current or historical) you most admire?
If I had to choose, it would probably be Big Bill. Apologies for not being very original.
The revolution is over, the wage system is abolished, we installed whatever post-capitalist system you prefer. What are you doing Saturday?
Watering my plants, going for a bike ride, firing up my laptop and working on some coding project, spending time with my partner, and the administration of things.
What are you working on right now (union-wise)?
All of the branch secretary duties, which involve a lot of coordination and following up on things. Helping to ramp up the activity of the GMB’s education committee. Training our new Communications Officer on some branch tools. Reaching out to and connecting at-large members, as both secretary of the Tampa Bay GMB and chair of the SCC’s outreach, onboarding, and security committee. Mentoring a new member in the GMB. A blog post for IW.
What’s the best part about being a wobbly?
Having hope.
What part of the union do you think needs the most improvement?
Retention of at-large members and helping them form GMBs.
How ya feeling right now?
Busy but mostly good.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Probably “I’m just saying” or “I don’t know, but” or “jesus” as an expletive.
What’s your happiest experience while in the union?
The 2017 Southern Regional Organizing Assembly. FW Steve and I represented the branch and we had a great time.
What’s been your greatest learning experience while in the union?
I can’t point to a single thing, but I’ve learned a lot in my four years of being a member. You can never follow-up with someone too much. Regular meetings, reminders, agendas, and facilitation skills are important. Don’t write someone off too quickly for being a little flaky. Everyone has something to contribute, and we are all doing this in our spare time because we believe in it. Humility, patience, honesty, transparency, and not being a jerk go a long way, especially on listservs or other text-based platforms.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Better public speaking skills.
Where would you most like to live?
A small to medium-sized city not on the face of the sun. Asheville, NC? Somewhere in Oregon? But maybe also Philadelphia or Dublin.
What do you most value in your Fellow Workers?
Passion, friendliness, reliability.
Who are your favorite writers?
Malatesta, Herman Hesse, Ken Kesey
Who is your hero of fiction?
Katniss Everdeen
What’s your motto?
I don’t have one.
How would you like to die?
In my sleep when I’m very old.